AD 2008-06-14 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 757-200, -200PF, and -200CB Series Airplanes

Models named: 757-200, -200PF, -200CB series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to Boeing Model 757-200, -200PF, and -200CB series airplanes, certificated in any category; as identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-53-0077, Revision 1, dated August 6, 2007.

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Initial Inspection (f) At the applicable initial compliance time in paragraph (f)(1) or (f)(2) of this AD, do an external ultrasound inspection for disbonded tear straps not mechanically fastened to the skin between stations 439 to 900, and 1180 to 1621, and between stringers 10 left and 10 right, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-53-0077, Revision 1, dated August 6, 2007. (1) For airplanes with less than or equal to 21,000 total flight cycles: Before the accumulation of 24,000 total flight cycles, but no earlier than 18,000 total flight cycles. (2) For airplanes with more than 21,000 total flight cycles: Within 3,000 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD. Repetitive Inspection (g) If no disbonding is found during the ultrasound inspection required by paragraph (f) of this AD, repeat the inspection once before 36,000 total flight cycles, but no earlier than 30,000 total flight cycles. Related Investigative and Corrective Actions (h) If any disbonding is found during the ultrasound inspection required by paragraph (f) or (g) of this AD, do the applicable related investigative and corrective actions by accomplishing all the actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-53-0077, Revision 1, dated August 6, 2007, at the applicable compliance time specified in paragraph 1.E., “Compliance,” of the service bulletin; except as provided by paragraph (i) of this AD. (i) If any crack and/or corrosion is found during any inspection required by this AD, and Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-53-0077, Revision 1, dated August 6, 2007, specifies to contact Boeing for appropriate action: Before further flight, repair the crack and/or corrosion using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (j)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. (2) To request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO. (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used for any repair required by this AD, if it is approved by an Authorized Representative for the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Delegation Option Authorization Organization who has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to make those findings. For a repair method to be approved, the repair must meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must specifically refer to this AD. Material Incorporated by Reference (k) You must use Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-53-0077, Revision 1, dated August 6, 2007, to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207. (3) You may review copies of the service information incorporated by reference at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html . Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 3, 2008. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E8-4944 Filed 3-12-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from reports indicating that bonded skin panels may not have been correctly anodized in phosphoric acid before the tear strap doubler was bonded to the skin. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct a weak bond between the skin and tear strap. Such disbonding could reduce the ability of the skin to resist cracks and could adversely affect the structural integrity of the airplane.